9th Yerevan International Short Film Festival kicks off

The grand opening ceremony of the 9th Yerevan International Short Film Festival took place on Friday at the Cinema House.

Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Daniel Danielyan delivered a speech at the event, emphasizing the importance of the festival in terms of establishing new cooperation, implementing joint projects, and holding professional discussions.

According to the Deputy Minister, the Yerevan International Short Film Festival is among the country’s most established cultural events.

“The festival contributes to the commercialization of culture, which is a priority of state policy. It is encouraging to note that the geography of the festival expands every year; this year we received applications from 95 countries, which is an exceptional figure. Such projects in the film industry allow for the expansion of cultural boundaries, viewing the entire world as a market and presenting a product that meets global demand,” the ministry quoted Mr. Danielyan as saying in a press release.

Deputy Minister Danielyan also highlighted the festival’s importance in terms of cultural decentralization. In addition to Yerevan, the festival is also held in the regions; it has already taken place in Tavush, Syunik, Lori, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik, and this year it will also be held in Gyumri.

The festival also has an educational component, including creative meetings, film screenings and discussions, master classes, round tables, presentations, and experience-sharing events.

Danielyan also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage while ensuring its continuous development, thanking all partners for their joint work and successful outcomes.

Guzh Tadevosyan, Director of the Yerevan International Short Film Festival, said the aim of the festival is to create a platform for discovering new young talents, giving them the opportunity to express themselves, present their work, and reach wider international audiences through various programs. He thanked all supporting partners who contribute to the development of Armenian cinema.

The opening film of the festival was Haze Over, an Iranian production directed by Seyed Ali Ghasemi.

The festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia. The main sponsor is the Yerevan City Hall. Admission to all events is free.

The festival will take place from June 25–29 in Yerevan and Gyumri.